The Golden Trilogy (The Complete Series): The Golden Trilogy

Contents

Copyright

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapters 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Acknowledgments

Bonus Scenes

World Portals

Golden Mission Game

Bonus Facebook Filters

About the Author

Connect on Social Media

Also By K.M. Robinson

Jaded: Book One of the Jaded Duology

Along Came A Spider: The First Prequel Novelette To The Legends Chronicles

Virtually Sleeping Beauty

GOLDEN: Book One of the Golden Trilogy.

Copyright © 2017 by K.M. Robinson.

LOCKED: Book Two of the Golden Trilogy.

Copyright © 2017 by K.M. Robinson.

EDGE: Book Three of the Golden Trilogy.

Copyright © 2018 by K.M. Robinson.

FORGED: Prequel Novella of the Golden Trilogy.

Copyright © 2017 by K.M. Robinson.

TEMPERED: Prequel Novella of the Golden Trilogy.

Copyright © 2018 by K.M. Robinson.

Published by Snowy Wings Publishing.

www.snowywingspublishing.com

Cover designed by Reading Transforms.

Image copyright © K.M. Robinson Photography.

Interior graphics by Alexis K. Johnson.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, brands, trademarks, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher.

All rights reserved, which includes the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law.

Letter To Readers

The Golden Trilogy started as a book just for myself several years ago…a way to explore the real story behind Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

It took years for some friends to convince me to release it to the world.

I queried for a while, turned down several offers, and decided it wasn’t the right time. Several years later, I found the perfect fit with Snowy Wings Publishing and in the time since, it’s be a wild ride.

Thank you for all of your love and support for Auluria and Dov. They are my babies and I could not be more grateful for your adoration of them.

Goldilocks wasn’t naive…

she was sent on a mission

and Dov Baer—and all of us—are her new mission.

Time to see who is going to survive…

To those who make the right choices despite what has happened to them. You can’t control what happens to you, but you do control your response to it. Well done for not turning your circumstances into excuses, but instead, choosing to make the best out of it.

The condensed version of my story is this:

The girl with the long golden hair, or Goldilocks, as they would eventually call me, was awakened by one of the three bears. She had no memory of how she got there. She sat on their furniture, ate their food and slept in their home. They found her, talked to her, and ultimately chased her away. That is the story they tell.

But there are things they didn’t tell you. The stories never mention that I had been intentionally sent there to find the Baer family’s weaknesses and use them to then destroy their group. No one ever said that I would fall for the youngest. Nobody talked about how he would try to save me, even when I couldn’t be saved. And they never said my entire world would come crashing down around me as I tried to save him and betray the only family I had left.

I am Auluria, and this is my real story.

The first thing I smelled was sweet spices. A wave of warmth washed over me, coaxing me out of my sleep.

Someone was breathing on me.

When I opened my eyes, all I saw was blue. Blue so deep and so intense I had to blink to bring it into focus. Dark fringe fell over the blue color as it sparked and flashed, awakening me fully. Those were eyes. The most brilliant blue eyes I’d ever seen.

Then it hit me…and I panicked.

Who are you? I snapped, sitting up so quickly I nearly collided with the boy next to me. No, not a boy; a man.

I clutched at my collar and backed away from the figure next to me. His face fell as I scrambled away. He reached for me, but not in time to save me from falling off the far side of the small bed and landing squarely on the ground. My flailing hand slammed into a small table near the cot and sent its contents crashing to the floor beside me.

Auluria, stop, Blue Eyes said.

How do you know my name? I sputtered.

You don’t remember? he asked, concerned. He stepped quickly around the bed and stood at the foot of it, unsure if I’d accept his help. He reached out his hand but pulled it back, looking disappointed as I recoiled.

Are you all right? he asked gently. He knelt to the floor submissively, trying to soothe my terror.

I looked around. I had made a mess, but I hadn’t broken anything. Still, I was confused…I had no idea what was going on.

Who are you? I asked again, softer this time.

I’m Dov. He placed his hand over his heart as he spoke. You know me.

Breathing heavily, I tried to calm my gasping.

Why am I here?

You came here. You came with me. You don’t remember?

No. I didn’t remember anything about him.

We only just met yesterday. You’ve had quite an experience. He spoke softly to me as if trying to calm a child. It’s okay that you don’t remember. You will.

He couldn’t have been much older than me, maybe a year or two. The man was tall when he was standing, I could tell even from down on the floor. He had long, strong arms. Something about the way he brushed the hair back out of his eyes set me at ease.

I started to stand and he rose with me. He never took his eyes off me.

And just how did we meet, Dov?

Come. Sit down and I’ll tell you. Would you like something to drink? Water perhaps?

I slowly made my way to the table at the far end of the room. I started to sink into one of the mismatched chairs.

Actually, maybe not that one, Dov said, skirting around me and pulling out another chair. This one is much more comfortable.

I obliged, though I didn’t know why.

Here, he said, handing me a glass of cool water. Are you hungry? I can make you something.

Without waiting for me to respond, he walked over and started the stove. He reached for a pan and busied himself making food.

So, why am I here? I prompted after a few minutes of watching him cook. Once I was convinced he wasn’t going to hurt me, I relaxed back into the seat and watched him work. It calmed my nerves to see him methodically creating breakfast.

You are here, Auluria, for a great many reasons, he said dramatically, his grin making his eyes sparkle again. One of which happens to be…

The door flew open, interrupting him. I jumped as it crashed against the wall. Turning to look at the noise, I sent my hair cascading over the back of the chair and around to my shoulder where it hit me in the face before falling into my lap.

Well, look who’s up, a woman said, scoffing. Sleeping Beauty.

I can’t believe you brought her back here, Dov. She’s nothing but trouble, the man said. He was an older, darker version of Dov. He seemed to be plagued by something heavy. Even his steps were weighted as he moved about the room as if dragged down by some invisible chain.

Are you hungry? Dov asked ignoring their comments.

I watched as the woman glanced around the room. Her eyes fell on the bed. Its sheets were tangled from my fall. The man followed her gaze. They both cast Dov looks, raising their eyebrows at him. No one said anything. Suddenly, I was extremely self-conscious.

Well, well, baby brother. Looks like you have a story to tell. The man howled with laughter. My cheeks burned and I ducked my head.

Enough, Berwyn, the woman said quietly. She looked aside as he cast her a disparaging glance.

Auluria doesn’t remember us. Dov sounded annoyed.

Oh, but we remember her, Berwyn said, making it sound like a bad thing.

I couldn’t figure out what I had done to these people to make them so vicious toward me. Well, not all of them. But it was clear the man and woman were not pleased to find me there.

I thought we told you to get rid of her, he said seriously, making my stomach jump into my throat. He slammed his fist against a table, and Dov ducked as though he had been hit.

I won’t and you know why. She won’t hurt us; she’s more likely to help us than anything else.

Let her stay, Berwyn. I think it would be nice to have another girl around. And besides, Dov’s been alone for so long, it’s nice he has someone. I couldn’t tell if she was being helpful or mocking.

It is kind of a pain that he’s always a third wheel, I guess, the big man relented.

See? I knew it would work out, the woman said, her mid-length blonde curls bouncing as she strode toward him.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Dov caught my attention and signaled me to stay quiet with a quick shake of his head.

Come on, the man finally said, leading the woman away.

I looked back to the stove where Dov was, but he was already at my side setting down a plate.

That’s my brother, Berwyn, and his wife, Eden, he said as a matter of fact.

They’re married? I said, shocked. He can’t be more than twenty-five.

Twenty-four, actually.

How old is she?

Eden’s twenty-three, he replied. Do you want more water?

Dov, why am I here? I asked again, trying to get him to focus. I needed answers.

Do you remember being in the forest yesterday? he asked me.

I shook my head.

"Well, I don’t know why you were in the woods, but that’s where I met you. You were running through the forest and you jumped over a small stream.

"I saw you flying through the air and thought, ‘What must this crazy girl be doing to be running so quickly through such a dense part of the forest?’ When you landed, you took three whole steps before you came face to face with me.

I’d never seen a more panicked look in all my life. You clutched your skirts in your hand and whipped your head from side to side. I’d never seen such long hair on a girl; when it finally settled, it ran past your waist, he said as if I didn’t know how long my hair was.

And when you looked back to me, you whispered, ‘Help.’ I could see in your eyes that you were in trouble. He said this with grandeur, illustrating his story with his hands. So I took you by the waist and spun you into the trees. We ducked behind some large rocks and hid among the vines. You were breathing so loudly I thought you were going to give us away.

I wondered how the story would sound if he dropped his dramatic tone. I assumed he was using it to try to keep me engaged.

What was I running from? I interrupted.

Men. There were men chasing you. You refused to tell me why. He grinned as if it were all a game. I was in no mood for games.

Once the first group of men chasing you was gone you started off again, barely throwing a ‘thank you’ over your shoulder. But I couldn’t let you go alone, not after what I had seen, so I walked with you.

I hoped he would get to the point, but he had more to describe in detail.

You only tolerated me for so long until you started throwing things at me. An apple. A tree branch. Some small pebbles. I admit, it hurt my feelings a bit.

He frowned playfully, but his eyes sparked to life from under his dark hair.

But…persist I did, and I followed you for the better part of an hour, talking at you the whole time. That is, until I was attacked. In my blind disregard for my own safety—he waved his hand to the side, as if I should be impressed—I hadn’t realized where we had wandered. I was taken completely by surprise when those guys jumped out of the trees and landed on top of me.

He laughed, his eyes lighting up. But you, for as surprised as you were, ran right at us and tackled Jake to the ground. He hit the dirt so hard that it knocked the wind right out of him. I’m sure he couldn’t ever believe a girl would ever consider dating him, much less throwing herself at him like you did.

I felt my eyes grow wide at his teasing words. He was only joking, a play on words, but still, I would never throw myself at a man in that context. It vexed me that he would insinuate that I might.

"Once I took out Marty, we found ourselves in the clear. That didn’t stop us from trying to make a fast getaway though. We almost made it, too, but somehow Jake struggled to his feet and he went after you. Just as I subdued Marty and placed him on the ground, I lifted my head and saw Jake barreling toward you.

I couldn’t make it to you in time. The sound it made when he hit you…it was almost as if I could feel it from as far away as I was. He offered me a sad look, his eyes clouding.

"If it’s any consolation, I slammed his face into a tree and messed him up pretty bad. You insisted that you were fine, but you could barely stand. I scooped you up and carried you.

We talked all the way back here. Well, mostly I did. I refrained from rolling my eyes. Of course, he had been the talkative one. You told me your name and then you asked a few questions before deciding to stay quiet. So as of right now, all I know is that your name is Auluria. You have long hair. You’re running from something and you are being chased. And you’re looking for a place to belong—though I added that last part on my own.

He counted his points off on his fingers for me as he summarized what had occurred yesterday.

And what did you tell me about yourself?

"Well, as you know, my name is Dov. Baer is my last name. You’ve met my brother and his wife yesterday briefly, and again today. As you can see, my brother doesn’t trust you, but don’t take offense, he doesn’t trust anyone.

You can’t really blame him with all that’s going on, he continued. It’s hard to trust anyone these days.

I suppose.

I looked down to my dress, covered with dirt and mud at the bottom. There were a few small holes that I assumed occurred during my fall. That’s when I remembered.

I had been running. I just couldn’t remember why.

I remembered meeting him though. As the men gained on me, I leapt over a river, almost directly into Dov’s arms. He hid me until the men passed. I never told him of the danger I must have surely been in and he was in for being with me.

You remember. Dov’s voice changed, snapping back to the conversation.

I remember. I nodded. Thank you for your help yesterday.

Anything for a pretty lady. He half bowed to me from his seat next to mine.

Now, tell me Auluria, why were you running from those men yesterday? He grew serious again, wanting more information from me.

They were chasing me, I said simply.

He chuckled. But why?

I swallowed hard. I don’t know.

You don’t remember?

It picks up from where I ran into you. His eyes narrowed intently, but soft enough to know he was concerned, not angry.

Where do you belong, Auluria? We have to get you back to where it’s safe. He took my hand in his own hands, the gesture so sudden that it shocked me into stillness. I let him hold my hand in his while his eyes searched me for answers.

I…I don’t belong anywhere. That was the truth. I never belonged there. And do you really think going back is safe, since that’s where I was coming from in the first place?

Little flashes of memory floated through my mind. Not enough to blend together and form a picture, but pieces all the same.

You will tell me eventually, Auluria, he said withdrawing his hand. He looked genuinely hurt that I wouldn’t divulge any new information.

I didn’t like that he thought I knew more than I was saying.

You can stay here until you’re ready, he added quietly, almost to himself.

I looked at him and it was as if he read my mind.

You’ll be safe here. They won’t find you and Berwyn won’t hurt you. I’ll make sure of it.

That thought scared me. If this man was telling me I’d be safe from his brother, then what was so bad about his brother that made it potentially unsafe?

Finished? he interrupted my thoughts. Lifting my plate, he turned to the sink.

I watched as he washed the dishes, his shoulders rising and falling as he worked. His muscles looked stiff at times, seizing with pain. My gaze lingered on them as he worked. I watched his chest expand and shrink as he breathed.

When he turned, it startled me. Dov only raised an eyebrow and smirked. He nodded his head for me to join him in the makeshift living room, walking away from the kitchen.

Just as we started to sit, I blurted out, What did you mean? ‘Protect me from Berwyn’?

Oh. I see you don’t remember all of yesterday after your rescue. He added apologetically, Berwyn is just a lot to handle at times. Sometimes he gets a little too upset. At times, he says or does things without thinking. It’s nothing to worry about. He won’t hurt you, he’s just…loud sometimes.

As if emphasizing his brother’s point, at that very moment Berwyn crashed into the room and slammed the door behind him. He glared at us before stomping through the kitchen and marching out the door.

Eden appeared, rolling her eyes. She looked over to her young brother-in-law and gestured around the room.

Baby, you need to get this taken care of. She turned on her heels and retreated the way she came.

I looked to Dov. Baby? I giggled.

Oh, be quiet, he said, throwing a pillow at me as he stood, careful to avoid my face.

Let me help you, I responded, rising to follow him, knowing that I owed him for his help the day before.

We started cleaning up the mess around the room. Bottles lay strewn about the floor. Unfolded laundry sat in a pile on a chair. It looked like there had been a celebration that someone forgot to clean up after.

How’s your head feeling? he asked as we worked.

It’s okay, I said, feeling more secure about being alone with him. What happened in here anyway?

Berwyn and Eden had a fight yesterday. It’s best to get out of the house when that happens. He stooped to sweep up pieces of broken glass. They never hurt each other, but they sure do know how to make it sound good.

Was it about me? I asked.

It started out about you, but most of this is from after.

I helped him straighten the room. His eyes flitted over to me every so often, making sure I wasn’t going to pass out from my injury the previous day.

The quiet that stretched between us was almost comforting. I’ve always liked the silence. It means that you are comfortable enough with a person that you don’t feel the need to fill up the space with words. You can just exist together.

Berwyn and Eden didn’t make another appearance until that evening. Dov had suggested I take a nap to help regain my strength, so after lunch, I lay on the couch under a light blanket. It really was too warm for a blanket, but I liked the protection it offered me.

I never truly drifted off to sleep. While I felt safe in that house, I knew I didn’t really know these people very well and I didn’t want to trust them too quickly.

She’s still here, Berwyn grumbled.

I told you, we’re not sending her back out there. She’s being hunted and she can’t remember by whom or why. We have to protect her.

Stop it, Berwyn, Eden interrupted before he could say anything. "I don’t like it either, but he’s right. We’re not sending her back out there until we have some answers. Your father started this whole thing to help people, so you need to help people. And start with her." I heard the edge in her voice when she talked about me. Maybe she hadn’t been sincere about letting me stay.

Fine, he huffed. For now.

I kept my eyes closed, feigning sleep, and waited for them to leave. I heard their steps creak across the floorboards as they walked out of the room. A moment later I felt the couch arm dip slightly as someone leaned on it.

You heard that, didn’t you? his gentle voice asked.

I opened my eyes. Yeah, I acknowledged.

He took a deep breath and sighed. At least he’s letting you stay.

For now, I added.

For now, he said, worry slightly edging into his voice.

That probably wasn’t their best choice.

The next day I woke early. Dov had given me his cot and had taken the couch for the evening. I heard him periodically check on me throughout the night. When he discovered I was still breathing, he would lay back down and wait an hour to check again.

Dov? I asked the next morning, getting his attention. I’d like to help. What can I do?

He gave me a curious look, unsure of what I meant.

If I’m going to stay here, I need to help. So, give me something to do.

Umm… He glanced around the room, pushing his hair out of his eyes. Well…you can help me cook. We cleaned up yesterday, so that’s taken care of.

I can cook, I assured him.

Walking into the kitchen, he led me where they kept everything. He showed me the food; clearly, they were running low.

What if I help you get more food? I suggested.

You shouldn’t go outside. He shook his head. We still don’t know who is looking for you.

They have to be long gone by now. Really, who’s going to find me out here? Come on, let’s go.

I really don’t think… He trailed off as I marched toward the door. Auluria, please.

I didn’t stop. I let the door go behind me. He caught it just before it slammed shut.

Dov stumbled as he pulled on his remaining shoe and hurried to catch up to me.

You don’t even know where you’re going.

So, show me, I said defiantly.

Are you always this stubborn? he asked.

I wouldn’t know. I grinned at him.

Of course, you wouldn’t. After a moment he grinned back. You have an ever-convenient head injury. I bet you pull that card all the time to get your way.

Yes, whenever I feel like someone won’t do as I want, I’m sure to find a way to throw myself to the ground and get beaten up so I can use a head injury as an excuse to manipulate people. As you can see, I’m clearly a genius, I said sarcastically.

We marched through the woods, ducking under tree branches and hopping over fallen logs. The birds sang a path for us as we traveled further and further from the house. A few squirrels came out to greet us, stealing fallen nuts from their grassy beds.

Where are we going, exactly? I looked at my guide.

To the storehouse. It’s not much longer, he replied, glancing over at me.

The storehouse was hidden inside a cave. I wouldn’t have even noticed it if Dov hadn’t pointed it out to me. Inside, the cave dropped into a deep descent, pushing down into the earth.

It was cool and earthy, perfect for holding food. The walls were lit brightly, casting shadows from the crates of edible contents. People gathered around, collecting things to take with them.

Who are all these people, Dov?

I had never seen any place like it. Food was a scarcity in our society. There was barely enough for the people and the little they had was cause for great fighting.

The government had taken control of all food many years ago, to assuage a foreign nation. To avoid an attack, the officials took most of the society’s food and resources and gave them to the enemy. The theory was to give them what they wanted and they’d leave us alone. Unfortunately, that didn’t work. They came back for more. The threat became too great. Young men without high standing were sent to train for the military. Young women were encouraged to breed to get the population numbers up. Many girls disappeared—first those who wouldn’t be noticed, then the rest, sent to breeding camps.

Pick out what you like, Dov interrupted my thoughts, snapping me back to the present as he deftly evaded my question. I let the question of who all the people were rest between us, remaining unanswered. He handed me a basket and started browsing around.

Where did all this come from? I asked.

His eyes lit up like he was about to share a great secret, but he merely shrugged and tossed an apple into the basket.

Here and there, he said. Do you want some eggs?

We filled several baskets full of food before he led me back toward the entrance.

Good morning, Dov. A man about his age nodded to him.

Good morning, Silas. He nodded back.

Who’s this? the man asked curiously.

A new friend. Dov smiled politely, refusing to tell him more.

All right, he drawled. But if she shows up again, you’re going to have to start answering questions, he said with a chuckle.

You picked a good one there, Missy, he added, ducking his head to me before moving on.

Missy.

Something flashed in my mind. That word. It was familiar.

A face darted before me and left just as quickly.

He had light hair and grey eyes. His eyes sparked as if he were angry.

You okay? Dov pulled me back.

Yeah. I shook my head to clear it. I saw a face. That’s all.

Do you know who?

No. I knew him though; just not how or who.

As we left the storehouse, we walked in silence. I could see the house in the distance before I spoke again.

Dov, what was that place really? There’s nowhere like that around here. And I’ve never seen that much food in my life. Tell me what’s going on.

He sighed deeply. Auluria, you don’t need to know everything right now.

But I don’t know anything. I just want to understand what is going on, I said, frustrated.

It’s a storehouse. That’s all you need to know.

Is it stolen food? Who took it?

It’s not stolen. It’s reacquired.

Reacquired?

He didn’t answer.

Eden was in the living room when we returned, arms crossed and ready for a fight.

What were you thinking? she scolded. "Taking her there—it could destroy us! No outsiders—remember that, Dov? Only the group is allowed in. We don’t know her! We know nothing about her! She could be a spy; she could get us killed! You know what happens when people like us get caught! You know what happened to Griz!

What is your problem? her rant continued. You haven’t seen enough death for one lifetime? What are we supposed to do now, huh? Keep her locked up here forever? She can’t go out—you knew that! Now we can’t let her leave!

Eden, stop! Dov exploded. She is no threat. I’ve been watching her. She’s a scared girl on the run. She’s just trying to survive. She’s not going to betray us.

You don’t know that! Eden screeched.

Yes, I do! Dov shouted back.

No, you don’t!

Eden, she’s fine— His words were cut short as Eden lashed out her hand and slapped him hard across the face.

I gasped as he reeled back. Anger rippled through his blue eyes, but he didn’t move toward her. Eden almost looked shocked as he turned back to face her, realizing she had hit him.

You will not touch her, he said in a low, threatening, terrifying voice.

Eden backed up. She stood watching him for a moment before shifting her gaze to me. Looking back at him, she conceded and slowly turned to leave.

Once she had retreated, Dov turned to me, hand still on his face.

Berwyn must never know.

I nodded quickly. These people were terrifying. Something told me this wasn’t the first time Dov had been hit or threatened by his family.

Ice, I whispered.

His face softened. What? he asked, unable to hear me.

Ice, I said a bit louder, but my voice was still unsteady. Do you want ice?

Suddenly I found myself rushing to get ice. His face must be throbbing by now. A red handprint was forming under his fingers as he tried to rub the pain away.

I stumbled back to him as he lowered himself to the couch. He slouched in the corner and allowed the cushions to envelop him. I gently touched the ice to his cheek and he winced as it made contact.

Are you all right? I asked quietly, afraid to look him in the eye.

I’m fine, he mumbled.

This isn’t the first time that’s happened, is it?

He looked me in the eye and I understood everything.

You didn’t have to do that for me.

It’s fine.

No really, I don’t want to cause any problems. I’ll leave today, I offered, determined not to make the situation worse.

You will not. Everything will be fine.

But…

Auluria, you are staying. That is final. Besides, they’re better behaved when you’re around, so think of it like you are helping me, he tried to coax me into staying.

You are helping me.

You are helping me, the blond man said. He had me by the shoulders and was looking deep into my eyes. You have to do this. For me, for our family. You’re the only one who can get in there, he said. I remembered nodding, agreeing, complying. I was on a mission of some kind. When I was caught. I was on a mission before I found Dov.

You remembered something. He leaned away from me, taking the ice from my hand.

I was on a mission when I found you. I was doing something for…someone. A man. A blond man. It had to do with…my family? I think. But I don’t have a family, so how could that be?

No family? he asked.

No. I shook my head, thinking. They…died. They died. I looked up at him. They died. I have no parents.

How? he prompted softly.

They…they…died.

It’s okay. He tapped my shoulder lightly. You’ll figure it out.

I hated not knowing. At least some of it was coming back to me. Slowly. I’ve always hated slowness.

Dov let me make lunch for him. As I worked, I tried to figure out why I was in the woods to begin with. What sort of a mission was I on and who was the blond man?

Dov wouldn’t offer any further explanation for the storehouse. I didn’t push him on it. The red mark slowly disappeared from his handsome face and the anger crept out of his eyes. He let me clear away his plate when he was finished, the only way I could think of to thank him for standing up for me.

Dov? I asked after I had cleaned up. Why don’t they like me?

He looked at me, his usually sparkling blue eyes clouding.

It’s not you that they don’t like. It’s the situation. This has happened before and it didn’t end well.

What do you mean? I pushed. I had to find out.

We’re very careful about who we let into our group. Sometimes people slip in, though, that shouldn’t be here. There was a girl…

He waited, trying to collect his thoughts.

There was a girl, who joined us. She wanted to get away from a situation she was in, and she found us. We took her in. Some things happened and she was forced to turn against us.

What happened?

She betrayed us, gave our secrets away. When the group found out, she was forced to leave.